Syrah - Shiraz

Two names for the same grape, capable of giving great
wines, longeval, complex, dense and rich in personality, two names mainly bound
to two wine areas having two different enological styles

Syrah or Shiraz - name with which this grape is known in Australia and South
Africa - belongs to the numerous group of the so called international grapes
and today it is virtually present in every wine country of the world. Thanks to
its wide spreading and notoriety, every wine lover as he or she hears talking
about Syrah or Shiraz, this brings up to his or her imagination two specific
places of the world: Rhône Valley in France and Australia. Syrah is found in
other wine country of the world as well - such as California, Italy and South
Africa - however the reference areas of this grape are still considered France
and Australia, each one of them being identifiable for its particular style. Of
course, of the two countries, the one having a longer tradition is the Rhône
Valley, whereas in Australia Syrah - or Shiraz, as it is commonly known in the
land of kangaroos - has a history shorter than two centuries.

Syrah is considered one of the most noble grapes, a fact which is clearly
confirmed by the best wines produced with this grape. The origin of Syrah is
pretty uncertain, however the most recurrent hypothesis support the idea it is
from the Middle East. Whether its origins are still uncertain, we can however be
certain that Syrah was already cultivated and used for the production of wines
in the Rhône Valley since Roman times. In the Rhône Valley are still
produced extraordinary wines with Syrah, considered as indisputable reference
points for worldwide enology. Names of famous areas in the Rhône Valley such
as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Cornas, bring up the image
of excellent wines in every wine lover. Syrah is also known for its typical
aroma of black pepper, a characteristic that in this grape - when cultivated
with quality standards and in particular areas or climatic conditions - is so
evident which is practically impossible not to notice among its rich quantity of
aromas.

A bunch of Syrah (Shiraz)

The history of Syrah in Australia is more recent and it seems it was introduced
in this country by James Busby in 1837 importing some plants of this vine from
Montpellier (France). In the beginning the grape was known in Australia with the
name Syrah, but it soon became Scyras and then changed into the current Shiraz.
With the same name the grape is also known in South Africa. The spreading of
Syrah in Australia was pretty rapid and it quickly become the most cultivated
vine in New South Wales. Today Shiraz is the most common red berried grape in
Australia and in the course of the years, the producers of this country have
been successful in creating a pretty personal style which is often more famous
than the Syrah produced in the Rhône Valley, the homeland of this grape. The
success of Australia Shiraz is such that today most of the wine lovers call this
grape with the Australian term instead of the original Syrah.

The differences between French Syrah and Australian Shiraz are not only
determined - of course - by the environmental and climatic diversities of the
two places - essential factors however contributing to the personality of a wine
- but also to the wine making styles adopted in the two countries. In France,
and in particular in the Rhône Valley, Syrah is in most of the cases vinified
as a varietal wine, rarely adding Viognier, whereas in Australia this grape,
besides being vinified as varietal, is often blended to Cabernet Sauvignon,
another famous international grape. It should however be observed that in
southern France - and in particular in the Languedoc-Roussillon, Syrah is
usually blended to Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Cinsaut. When it is vinified as
a varietal wine, Syrah from the Rhône Valley tends to develop aromas which
directly remind black pepper - a characteristic which usually identifies wines
produced in this area - and spices in general, whereas in Australia they usually
have aromas and flavors of ripe fruit and jam as well as chocolate.

Despite ampelographers identify Syrah in only one variety, many viticulturists
in the Rhône Valley support the hypothesis of the existence of two distinct
types, capable of producing wines with different organoleptic qualities. They
believe Syrah can be classified in two varieties depending on the size of
berries: Petite Syrah, with small berries and considered the best one,
and Grosse Syrah, with larger berries and a lesser concentration of
phenolic substances. It should be however observed this Petite Syrah, as
well as Syrah, has no varietal connection with the Petite Sirah known in
North and South America. Syrah is a grape which easily tends to overproduction
and in this case, just like Merlot, it makes wines with pale colors and pretty
neutral flavors. The production of quality wines with Syrah grape therefore
requires very strict cultural standards and, in particular, low yields per
hectare.

Syrah is a relatively late ripening grape, it develops in pretty compact bunches
with oblong dark colored berries. It needs a warm climate in order to reach full
ripeness, however even in cooler climates, in which grapes do not reach full
ripeness, it can produce wines with interesting aromas. Syrah tends to rapidly
lose its best qualities when the yields are pretty high and in case it was left
in the vine too long, it rapidly lose acidity and aromatic qualities, in
particular its typical black peppery aroma. The berries of this grape contain
high quantities of pigments and polyphenolic substances - a quality easily
recognizable in the color and transparency of its wines - which makes Syrah very
suited for the production of wines to be aged in cask for long times. Wines
produced with Syrah are pretty longeval and the aging in bottle can also go from
a period of 4 years for low quality wines, to 15-18 years for high quality
wines.

The Colors of Syrah

Because of the high quantity of pigments, the color of wines produced with Syrah
grape is usually pretty dark and intense, with a very reduced transparency. This
is true for wines produced with grapes coming from very low yields harvests,
whereas when yields are excessive, the color in Syrah wines are pretty pale and
the transparency is moderate, just like Merlot. In Syrah produced with quality
standards, transparency can even be absent, almost impenetrable to light. Syrah
is a pretty longeval wine and, in best cases, it can also stand to more than 15
years. During its youth Syrah will show evident purple nuances, a characteristic
which is frequently found after one year of aging when the wine can be
considered as ready. The evolution is similar to other red wines produced
with grapes rich in pigments and even when it can be considered mature,
Syrah will show an intense and deep ruby red color with nuances of garnet red.

Aromas

The aromatic composition of Syrah is pretty rich and, more than other grapes, it
is strongly affected by environmental, cultural and climatic conditions. The
first distinction should be made for Syrah produced in Europe - and in
particular in France - and Syrah produced in the so called New World. Syrah
wines produced in Europe are usually characterized by more or less accentuated
aromas of black pepper, a quality which is attenuated in wines from the New
World in which it is common the aroma of ripe fruit and jams. Another
characteristic of Syrah is represented by the wood factor and by the aging
in cask. Syrah wines produced with ripe grapes the impact of typical toasted
aromas of wood will be more evident than in those produced with not fully ripe
grapes. When it is produced in cool climate areas or with grapes not fully ripe,
Syrah develops aromas of black currant, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, violet,
mint and white pepper, and very frequently the aroma of green olive as well.

Wines produced in warm climate areas or with ripe grapes, develop aromas of
black berried fruits, such as blackberry, plum, black currant, black cherry and
violet as well as its typical aromas of black pepper, licorice and frequently
hints of smoky. To these aromas are also included the ones of the same fruit
jams. With time Syrah - a wine which has interesting potentialities of aging in
bottle and of organoleptic evolution - develop pretty complex aromas in which
will be perceived clear jammy aromas that will then evolve as game, leather,
coffee, burnt rubber, caramelized sugar, raisin and tar.

The Taste

Even for taste, just like for aromas, it is necessary to make distinctions among
Syrah wines produced in the Rhône Valley, Syrah made in Europe and those
produced in Australia and in the New World. The French style of the Rhône
Valley favors the production of elegant and refined Syrah, robust, with round
flavors and less tannic. In Australia is favored a denser style, full bodied,
concentrated and rich. In the rest of Europe can be found styles that could be
defined as in-between, inspired to one or the other category. Syrah is a grape
with a moderate quantity of acid, however in certain cases it can be clearly
perceivable. The most common production style favors alcoholic percentages from
moderate to high, even 14-15%. Its content in polyphenols is pretty high and
therefore astringency will be a predominant factor in wines produced with this
grape. Despite the aging in cask will contribute to smooth the astringency of
Syrah, this organoleptic quality will however be a primary characteristic for
this grape.

Syrah or Shiraz, However Syrah

The northern part of the Rhône Valley, in France, remains one of the
indisputable reference points for the production of wines made with Syrah grape.
The best examples of varietal Syrah, no matter a small percentage of Viognier is
allowed, are the ones produced with the appellations Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie,
Cornas, St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. Wines produced in these areas have
pretty strong fruit aromas, a good acidity, dry and are characterized by the
typical aroma of black pepper as well as an appreciable mineral taste. Hermitage
has a deep color and intense fruit aromas, in particular black currant, full
body and evident astringency. Côte-Rôtie generally has a paler color, more
complex aromas which can also remind smoky and a less tannic flavor. Quality
Cornas - very rare to find - have deep colors, a strong aroma of black pepper
and a tannic flavors. Crozes-Hermitage and St-Joseph wines represent lighter
versions but however interesting. Syrah is also common in the southern part of
Rhône Valley and it is used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and in other wines
of this area, and as frequently happens in wines produced in south France, it is
blended with other grapes. In Italy Syrah is pretty common and good results have
been produced both in Tuscany and Sicily. In Switzerland it is interesting the
Syrah produced in the Valais area and in Spain the one produced in the Toledo
area.

In the so called New World, Australia is the most renowned representative
for wines produced with Syrah, or Shiraz, as it is known in this country. Here
the style is denser, richer and more concentrated as opposed to the styles made
in Europe. Examples of reference Syrah wines produced in Australia mainly come
from the southern part and in particular from the areas of McLaren Vale, Barossa
and Coonawarra. The styles of these three areas are pretty distinctive: Syrah
wines from McLaren Vale are very dense and concentrated; the ones from Barossa
are pretty similar although adding a touch of elegance to concentration; those
from Coonawarra, because of a cooler climate, develop aromas of mint and black
pepper. Other interesting areas in Australia in which it is produced Shiraz are
the Victoria (Yarra Valley, Grampians and Pyrenees), New South Wales (Hunter
Valley, Mudgee) as well as some areas in Western Australia. In California the
Syrah is not very common, however it is catching the attention of many
producers. The most interesting example of California are from the coolest areas
of Edna, Santa Ynez, Santa Maria Valleys, Carneros and Mendocino. Other areas in
which are being produced wines with Syrah grape include South Africa - here
known as Shiraz - Washington state, Chile, Argentina and New Zealand.

Wines of the Month

Score legend

Fair Pretty Good Good Very Good Excellent Wine that excels in its category Good value winePrices are to be considered as indicative. Prices may vary according to the countryor the shop where wines are bought

COF Ribolla Gialla 2003

Teresa Raiz (Italy)

Grapes: Ribolla Gialla

Price: € 8,94

Score:

The wine shows a brilliant greenish yellow color and nuances of greenish
yellow, very transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of pineapple and pear followed by
aromas of banana, broom, peach, plum, apple and hints of mineral and
elder. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack
and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, agreeable.
The finish is persistent with flavors of peach, plum and pineapple. This
wine ages for at least 6 months in steel tanks and for at least one month
in bottle.

COF Tocai Friulano 2003

Teresa Raiz (Italy)

Grapes: Tocai Friulano

Price: € 8,38

Score:

This wine shows a brilliant greenish yellow color and nuances of greenish
yellow, very transparent. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of pineapple, pear and hawthorn
followed by aromas of banana, broom, almond, apple, peach, plum and hints
of mineral. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp
attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors,
agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of pear, pineapple and
peach. This wine ages for at least 6 months in steel tanks and for at
least one month in bottle.

Chianti Classico Casa Sola Riserva 2000

Fattoria Casa Sola (Italy)

Grapes: Sangiovese (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (7%), Merlot (3%)

Price: € 18,00

Score:

This Chianti shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red,
moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas that start with hints of black cherry, violet and raspberry
followed by aromas of plum, blueberry, licorice, vanilla and menthol. In
the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack
and however balanced, good body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable.
The finish is persistent with flavors of plum, black cherry and
blueberry. This Chianti ages for 24 months in cask.

Food Match: Roasted meat, Stewed meat, Broiled meat, Hard cheese

Montarsiccio 1999

Fattoria Casa Sola (Italy)

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Sangiovese (30%), Merlot (10%)

Price: € 20,00

Score:

The wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red,
moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet
followed by aromas of blueberry, blackberry, licorice, tobacco and
vanilla. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly
tannic attack and pleasing roundness, however balanced by alcohol, good
body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent
with flavors of black cherry, plum and blueberry. Montarsiccio ages for 24
months in barrique.

Food Match: Roasted meat, Stewed meat with mushrooms, Hard cheese

Colli Bolognesi Sauvignon Palazzo di Montevecchio 2002

Montevecchio Isolani (Italy)

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Price: € 7,10

Score:

This wine shows an intense greenish yellow color and nuances of greenish
yellow, very transparent. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of toasted wood, peach and broom
followed by aromas of pineapple, hawthorn, pear, elder, plum and
grapefruit. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp
attack and pleasing roundness, however balanced, good body, intense
flavors. The finish is persistent with flavors of peach, pineapple and
plum. This wine ages for 6 months in barrique and for at least 6 months in
bottle.

This wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red,
little transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined
aromas which start with hints of black cherry, plum and vanilla followed
by aromas of black currant, toasted, cinchona, violet, tobacco and
licorice. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly
tannic attack and pleasing roundness, however balanced by alcohol, good
body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors
of plum, black cherry and black currant. This wine ages for three years in
barrique and for 6 months in bottle.

Contessa Entellina Vigna di Gabri 2003

Donnafugata (Italy)

Grapes: Ansonica (Inzolia)

Price: € 9,80

Score:

The wine shows a brilliant straw yellow color and nuances of greenish
yellow, very transparent. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of plum, pear and vanilla followed by
aromas of hawthorn, apple, grapefruit, banana and hints of butter, praline
and almond. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp
attack and pleasing roundness, good body, intense flavors. The finish is
persistent with flavors of banana, plum and almond. A small part of this
wine ferments in barrique and ages for 4 months in bottle.

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva San Sisto 2001

Fazi Battaglia (Italy)

Grapes: Verdicchio

Price: € 15,00

Score:

This Verdicchio shows a pale golden yellow color and nuances of straw
yellow, very transparent. The nose reveals good personality with intense,
clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of
hawthorn, vanilla and apple followed by aromas of pineapple, mango, pear,
plum, almond and hints of butter and mineral. In the mouth has good
correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack with pleasing roundness, however
well balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish
is persistent with flavors of apple, plum, pear and almond. A well made
wine. San Sisto ages for 12 months in barrique followed by 12 months of
aging in bottle.

Arkezia Muffo di San Sisto 2001

Fazi Battaglia (Italy)

Grapes: Verdicchio

Price: € 26,00 - 500ml

Score:

This wine shows a pale golden yellow color and nuances of golden yellow,
very transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and
elegant aromas which start with elegant hints of dried apricot, peach jam
and vanilla followed by good aromas of chamomile, honey, ripe banana,
candied fruit, quince jam, litchi, orange marmalade, hazelnut and hints of
enamel. In the mouth has very good correspondence to the nose, a sweet and
smooth attack, however well balanced, good body, intense flavors, good
crispness, agreeable. The finish is persistent with long flavors of dried
apricot, peach jam, honey and candied fruit. A very well made wine.
Arkezia is produced with late harvested grapes affected by Botrytis
Cinerea (Noble Rot), ages for 14-16 months in barrique followed by 6
months of aging in bottle.

Food Match: Hard and piquant cheese, Dried fruit tarts

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Gersemi 2001

Fassati (Italy)

Grapes: Sangiovese (90%), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)

Price: € 20,00

Score:

The wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas
that start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet followed by aromas
of blueberry, licorice, cinnamon, vanilla, menthol and hints of cocoa. In
the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and
however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good tannins,
agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum and black cherry.
This wine ages for two years in cask followed by 10 months of aging in
bottle.

Food Match: Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Salarco 1999

Fassati (Italy)

Grapes: Sangiovese

Price: € 25,00

Score:

This wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas
which start with hints of plum jam and dried violet followed by aromas of
black cherry, blueberry jam, carob, licorice, tobacco, vanilla and mace. In
the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and
pleasing roundness, however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense
flavors, good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of
plum jam and black cherry. A well made wine. This reserve ages for 3 years
in cask followed by 10 months of aging in bottle.

Food Match: Game, Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese

Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento 2000

Dievole (Italy)

Grapes: Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Colorino, Malvasia Nera

Price: € 27,00

Score:

This Chianti shows a deep ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and
elegant aromas which start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet
followed by good aromas of blueberry, vanilla, licorice, tobacco, cocoa,
cinnamon, eucalyptus and hints of lavender and black pepper. In the mouth
has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and pleasing
roundness, however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors,
good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of black
cherry, plum and blueberry. A very well made wine. Chianti Novecento ages
in barrique for 18 months and for 6 months in bottle.

Food Match: Game, Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese

Plenum Tertius 1999

Dievole (Italy) Muñoz (Spain)

Grapes: Sangiovese (50%), Tempranillo (50%)

Price: € 29,00

Score:

This wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little
transparency. The nose reveals good personality with intense, clean,
pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of black
cherry, violet, plum and vanilla followed by aromas of blueberry,
blackberry, licorice, tobacco, earthy, eucalyptus, chocolate and cinnamon.
In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack
and however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good
tannins, agreeable. The finish is very persistent with flavors of black cherry,
plum, blackberry and blueberry. A very well made wine. Plenum Tertius ages for
6 months in bottle.

Food Match: Game, Braised and stewed meat, Roasted meat, Hard cheese

Colle Picchioni Rosso 2003

Colle Picchioni (Italy)

Grapes: Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: € 9,30

Score:

The wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, moderate
transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean and pleasing aromas which
start with hints of black cherry, blueberry and plum followed by aromas of
blackberry, raspberry, licorice and hints of bell pepper. In the mouth has
good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however
balanced, good body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is
persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and blueberry. This wine
ages in steel tanks after a short period of aging in cask.

Food Match: Sauteed meat, Broiled meat and barbecue, Stuffed pasta

Vigna del Vassallo 2002

Colle Picchioni (Italy)

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Price: € 21,50

Score:

This wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red,
moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of black cherry and blueberry
followed by aromas of black currant, dried violet, plum, cocoa, licorice,
tobacco and vanilla. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a
slightly tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, good body,
intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of
plum and black cherry. A well made wine. Vigna del Vassallo ages in
barrique for about 18 months.

Food Match: Roasted meat, Broiled meat and barbecue, Hard cheese

Conubio 2002

Terre del Parnaso (Italy)

Grapes: Nero d'Avola

Price: € 6,00

Score:

This wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of ruby red,
moderate transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas that start with hints of black cherry, raspberry and
blueberry followed by aromas of blackberry, plum, black currant and
licorice. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly
tannic attack and however balanced, good body, intense flavors, good
tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum, blueberry and
black cherry. Conubio ages for six months in steel tanks.

Nekaber 2002

Terre del Parnaso (Italy)

Grapes: Nero d'Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: € 9,00

Score:

This wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red,
moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and
refined aromas which start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet
followed by aromas of blueberry, licorice, tobacco, cinnamon and vanilla.
In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack
and however balanced, good body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish
is persistent with flavors of plum and black cherry. Nekaber ages for 8
months in barrique and for 6 months in bottle.

All rights reserved under international copyright conventions. No part of this publication and of this WEB site may be
reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from DiWineTaste.